PASTORAL CARE/SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
- PASTORAL VISITS TO THE SICK: The pastor, deacons and lay pastoral associate are pleased to visit the ill and handicapped members of our parish in hospitals, nursing homes or in their own homes. Nowadays many hospitals and nursing homes do not inform us when a parishioner is admitted. Anyone in our parish family who anticipates hospitalization for any length of time, moves to an assisted living facility or nursing home or who becomes homebound in their own home, should notify the parish office.
- BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY: The death of a loved one is an especially difficult time. The purpose of the Bereavement Ministry is to offer services to the family to help them through the initial period following their loss. Anyone wishing to share their time to perform specific tasks of assistance is welcome to join in this ministry. There is no minimum time commitment to this ministry and any time you can offer is gratefully appreciated.
BEREAVEMENT MINISTERS SERVE IN ONE OF TWO CAPACITIES:
Funeral Ministers work in teams with each team assigned to a particular day of the week. The individual's experience as lector or eucharistic minister may determine whether they help the family prepare the funeral liturgy, assist the priest in preparing and serving at the altar, proclaim the readings or service communion at the funeral liturgy.
Bereavement Callers recognize that grief can be a lengthy process. About two months after a funeral has taken place, bereavement callers telephone the parishioner who was next of kin or responsible for planning the funeral liturgy. These specially trained ministers offer ongoing consolation and listening support. They can also suggest and accompany the bereaved to support group meetings and offer advice as to more extensive grief support services if needed. - MINISTRY OF PRAISE: The Ministry of Praise is a spiritual ministry. Members offer joys and sufferings I prayer to God for the spiritual and physical needs of others, particularly for those of our Faith Community> All members of SS Peter and Paul's Parish can become members of the Ministry of Praise, through membership is specifically directed towards the elderly, the homebound or handicapped and those who cannot participate actively in other ministries.
Members are requested to join with others in prayer on a daily basis. A monthly letter is sent to each member advising them of several prayer needs for that month. There are no meetings to attend or dues to be paid. Members of this ministry are formally welcomed and commissioned by a member of the Pastoral Staff. At that time they receive a cross, a book of suggested prayers and a certificate of membership. - SAINTS PETER & PAUL PRAYER LINE: The Prayer Line is comprised of a group of persons who are willing to offer prayers for those in need. Prayers are offered for reasons of physical of mental health, economic relief, obtaining employment, etc. All requests and circumstances are kept confidential. Parties requesting prayer are not required to reveal their names or the specific details surrounding their request for prayer. They simply call the number listed in the bulletin to request prayer or call the parish office.
Anyone devoted to prayer and healing may join the Prayer Line if they are willing to pray daily for those who request prayers and can maintain confidentiality. There are no meetings or dues. The only commitment is to be willing to pass the prayer request on to the next person on the prayer line. - SMALL FAITH COMMUNITIES: In the last century, more than 100,000 small Christian communities have come into being throughout the world. In the United States, these groups take the form of scripture study groups, prayer groups, support groups or ministerial communities. In a parish as large as Saints Peter and Paul, the Small Faith Community provides a means for Catholics to enhance their spiritual lives and to live the mission of Christ more fully through communion with other Catholics. All of our parishioners are asked to consider what it means to be holy and encouraged to become part of a group of people striving to live their lives according to the spirit of Christ.
Most small faith communities consist of 10 to 12 parishioners who meet once a month in their homes or in the parish. Together they pray, read and reflect on the scripture readings for the following Sunday or use topical materials designed for small groups. Discussion and discernment of God's Word is facilitated by a group leader who focuses on the challenge and call to live out the gospel reading I our daily human experience. Facilitators of these groups are trained and may meet periodically with a pastoral staff member for continuing spiritual growth.
Anyone interested in becoming part of an existing small faith group, starting a new group or acting as facilitator or host for a group is invited to call the Pastoral Associate at the Parish Office. - TEAMS OF OUR LADY: This international movement for married couples offers a way for couples already involved in strong, sacramental marriages to grow together in live and holiness with the shared support of other couples. Similar in structure to a small faith community, the "team" which consists of 4-7 couples and a Catholic priest, meets monthly to share a meal and their faith using materials that focus on married spirituality. Over time, team couples create a Christ-centered community of friends willing to share their joys and sorrows in complete trust and help each other intrude concern. Teams of Our Lady provides another way of being a small faith community for many couples at Saints Peter and Paul. For Further information, contact the Parish Office.
- CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER: "Be still and know that I am God." - Psalm 46
Contemplative prayer is the regular practice of reflection and then resting in the presence of God. Unlike meditation, contemplation is not a method of prayer to be chosen at will, but a gift into which one is drawn. One evening group and one morning prayer group meet weekly at Saints Peter and Paul Church. New groups can be formed to meet your needs.
